Sigma Launches 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 Zoom for E-mount & L-mount cameras

Sigma has announced a new designed-for-mirrorless Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-5.6 DG DN OS lens. The new “Mirrorless Bigma” features a 10x zoom ratio, which Sigma claims is the World’s first for mirrorless cameras. Alongside the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS, the new 60-600mm is the second telephoto zoom lens in the ‘S’ Sports lineup for full-frame mirrorless cameras. The lens will be introduced for L-Mount and Sony E-Mount camera systems with an MSRP of $1999. Shipping should start in mid-February 2023.

sigma 60-600mm dg dn lens
The lens foot features an Arca Swiss-compatible dovetail. Rejoice!

Sigma says that the L-Mount version of the lens is compatible with the Sigma TC-1411 1.4x teleconverter and the Sigma TC-2011 2x teleconverter. This extends the lens’s reach to 840mm and 1200mm, respectively. Although not specifically mentioned, I see no reason why the Sony E-Mount version of the lens would not be compatible with Sony’s own 1.4x and 2x teleconverters.

Inside the lens, the focusing elements are moved by Sigma’s newly designed HLA (High-response Linear Actuator ) system to achieve what Sigma claims is “unprecedented fast and precise autofocusing.” Zooming through the 10x focal range can be done by rotating a traditional zoom ring or pulling on the front of the lens. The former option is more precise, while the latter is much faster and usually preferred when you need to get right to 600mm after pulling the lens from your bag. Sigma’s term for this is “dual action zoom”, and while that might seem like marketing fluff on the surface, I do give them credit for the curved design at the front of the lens that makes it easier to hold and pull. You are not simply pulling on the lens hood when extending the lens this way.

As well as Sigma’s new dual-motor HLA focussing system, the inside of the Sigma 60-600mm lens also features optical image stabilization (OS) powered by a new “OS2” algorithm that is claimed to deliver seven stops of shake correction at 60mm, and six stops at 600mm. A mode controls the OS system switch on the side of the lens, with Mode 1 suitable for most situations, while Mode 2 is better for fast panning.

Sigma’s original Bigma, the 50-500mm DSLR lens, was one of the lenses that put the brand on the map. Extremely popular among amateur wildlife photographers, it was hard to go to popular shooting spots without seeing one. The Bigma was eventually updated in 2018 to the Sigma 60-600mm DG OS, but this lens was also designed for DSLR cameras. Mirrorless shooters will surely be pleased to see the new, much lighter-weight (2.5kg vs. 2.7kg) DN DG designed-for-mirrorless version hit the shelves.

Will the Sigma 60-600mm focal range be suitable for you? This massive 10x range makes the lens an excellent choice for travel, outdoor sports, wildlife, and safari photography.

Sigma 60-600mm DG DN OS Specifications

Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG DN OS lens construction.
  • Lens Design: 27 elements in 19 groups
  • Angle of View: 39.6-4.1°
  • Aperture blades: 9 (rounded diaphragm)
  • Minimum aperture: F22-32
  • Minimum focusing distance (MFD): 45-260cm / 17.8-102.4in.
  • Maximum Magnification (MM): 1:2.4 (at 200mm focal length)
  • Filter size: 105mm
  • Dimensions:
    • L-Mount: φ119.4mm×279.2mm / φ4.7in.×11.0in.
    • Sony E-Mount: φ119.4mm×281.2mm / φ4.7in.×11.1in.
  • Weight:
    • L-Mount: 2,495g / 88.0oz.
    • Sony E-Mount: 2,485g / 87.7oz.
  • List Price: $1999
The mount connection, manual focus ring, zoom ring, switches, switch panel and exterior connection are dust and splash resistant.

Comparing the Sigma 60-600mm to the Sigma 150-600mm

With identical longest focal lengths, I doubt anyone considering the Sigma 60-600mm DG DN OS “Bigma” wouldn’t also consider the Sigma 150-600mm f/5.6-6.3 DG DN OS lens alongside it. Let’s compare a few of the key specifications:

Sigma 60-600mm

  • Max aperture: 4.5-6.3
  • Weight: 88 oz / 2.5 kg
  • Dimensions (ø x L): 4.7 x 11″ / 119.4 x 279.2 mm
  • MSRP: $1999

Sigma 150-600mm

  • Max aperture: 5.6-6.3
  • Weight: 74.1 oz / 2.1 kg
  • Dimensions (ø x L): 4.3 x 10.5″ / 10.9 x 26.7 cm
  • MSRP: $1499

Choosing between these lenses largely depends on how many lenses you are willing to carry in your bag and what other lenses you have in the wide-angle and mid-range. For an extra $500, the Sigma 60-600mm lens gets you an additional 90mm of focal range, but it weighs 400g more than the slightly shorter, slightly skinnier 150-600mm lens.

Suppose your primary goal is wildlife photography; there are few opportunities in the 60-150mm focal range. In that case, the 150-600mm lens is your best choice. Save that $500 and put it towards a trip to find some new animals to shoot. On the other hand, if you plan to travel far and wide and want to capture far more than just the local wildlife, the 60-600mm lens makes a lot of sense when paired with a wide-angle zoom such as a 16-35mm. That two-lens combination would easily allow you to capture everything from vast landscapes to busy cityscapes and close-up animal portraits. I would not be worried about the focal length gap between 35mm and 60mm.

If you choose the 150-600mm lens and want to capture local landscapes and people as well as wildlife, the gap between 35mm and 150mm will be problematic. It will almost certainly require you to carry a third lens, such as a 24-105mm or a 70-200mm. In that case, the weight difference and cost savings of the 150-600mm lens are counteracted. In fact, your bag will weigh more, and your wallet will be lighter for it.

Sigma 60-600mm DG DN MTF Charts

MTF charts are theoretical depictions of performance; without industry standardization around their creation, they should always be taken with a grain of salt. Nonetheless, MTF charts can still be helpful comparative tools. It isn’t easy to compare them across different brands, but we can use them to get some sense of performance differences at varying focal lengths.

In the case of the Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG DN, for example, we can see that corner sharpness at 600mm is going to be much better than at 60mm. We can also get a reasonably clear idea of the sharpness degradation that will occur when using Sigma’s 1.4x or 2x teleconverters on this lens. As should be expected for a sub-$2000 10x zoom lens, the lens’s sharpness with teleconverters is not going to be that good.

One thing that Sigma does right is to create Diffraction and Geometrical MTF charts. Geometrical charts are purely based on optical mathematics and tend to show higher values (ie a sharper lens). Diffraction MTF charts take into account the diffraction qualities of light and are, therefore, more accurate to real-world performance.

Sigma 60-600mm DG DN Accessories and Part Numbers

  • Hood (LH1144-02)
  • Cover Lens Cap (LC-740E)
  • Shoulder Strap
  • Tripod Socket (TS-121)
  • Front Cap (LCF-105 Ⅲ)
  • Rear Cap (LCR Ⅱ)

Press Release

SIGMA Introduces 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS | Sports Lens, the World’s First and Only 10x Ultra-Telephoto Zoom for Mirrorless Camera Systems

Ronkonkoma, NY – January 12, 2023 – SIGMA Corporation of America, the US subsidiary of SIGMA Corporation (CEO: Kazuto Yamaki. Headquarters: Asao-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, Japan) is pleased to announce the 60- 600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS | Sports lens. This is the world’s first and only* mirrorless 10x ultra-telephoto zoom. The second full-frame mirrorless zoom lens in the SIGMA Sports line, covering standard (60mm) to ultra- telephoto (600mm), along with 1:2.4 maximum magnification (at 200mm), and weighing just 5.5 pounds (2.5kg), this lens offers exceptional versatility and is offered in Sony E-mount and L-Mount.

The SIGMA 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS | Sports is designed to be the one essential lens for travel, outdoor sports, wildlife, and safari that can cover it all from standard to ultra-tele, plus close-ups, all without ever swapping lenses; and it offers an impressive 6 stops of Optical Stabilization at the telephoto end and 7 stops at the standard end.

The newly designed HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) focusing motor delivers unprecedented fast and precise autofocusing, and dual action zoom allows for both the precision of the zoom ring and the swift, intuitive response of the push-pull action on the front end of the barrel. The three AFL buttons are easy to operate in any orientation, and the Zoom Lock switch can be locked at all marked focal distances.

The mount connection, manual focus ring, zoom ring, switches, switch panel and exterior connection are dust and splash resistant** to prevent dust and dirt from entering the lens, which are likely in the many outdoor situations where this lens is designed to perform.

A completely new optical design was created to for the DG DN (DG = full-frame, DN = mirrorless-exclusive) version of the 60-600mm featuring both SLD and FLD glass elements, and a multi-material structure is employed to balance durability and portability.

The SIGMA 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS | Sports will be offered for $1,999 through authorized SIGMA America retailers, and will be available beginning mid-February, 2023.

The world’s first and only* mirrorless 10x ultra-telephoto zoom, now available from SIGMA.

The SIGMA 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS | Sports is a high-power ultra-telephoto zoom lens exclusively for full-frame mirrorless cameras with a unique 10x focal length. The latest optical design delivers high optical performance throughout the entire zoom range, even with 10x zoom, which makes it capable of capturing any scene in high definition. The newly developed linear motor “HLA (High- response Linear Actuator)” delivers unprecedentedly fast and precise autofocusing.

In addition, the newly developed algorithm “OS2” enables image stabilization of 7 stops at the wide end and 6 stops at the telephoto end. Of course, it is also equipped with Dual Action Zoom, Dust and Splash Resistant Structure, as well as a wealth of customizable functions and specifications of SIGMA’s Sports line to meet the needs of various shooting environments and situations. With its many features and stellar optical performance, this lens captures the moment with a rich sense of dynamism.

The SIGMA 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS | Sports is a one-of-a-kind ultra-telephoto zoom lens which combines high magnification with an extremely high level of image quality and mobility.

*As an interchangeable lens exclusively for mirrorless, as of December, 2022 by SIGMA

Key Features

The one and only 60-600mm zoom lens, able to handle every situation from standard to ultra-telephoto all by itself

The SIGMA 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS | Sports is an ultra-telephoto 10x zoom lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras that covers a zoom range of 60-600mm, a range only available from SIGMA. It enables users to seamlessly capture scenes from close-ups to long distance shots without changing lenses, even in difficult situations such as air shows or professional sports events.

Stable and high optical performance throughout the entire zoom range

SIGMA employed the latest optical design to effectively correct chromatic aberrations that tend to occur in the ultra-telephoto range using a variety of high quality materials, including FLD and SLD glass elements. The lens is capable of capturing every moment with uncompromising high image quality in the unique focal length range of 60-600mm.

The minimum focusing distance is 45cm at the wide end, and at the focal length of 200mm, the lens offers a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.4, allowing users to also enjoy the lens as a telephoto macro lens, adding to its overall versatility.

High-speed AF owing to newly developed motor “HLA” to capture the decisive moment

The autofocus of the SIGMA 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS | Sports makes use of the newly developed linear motor “HLA (High-response Linear Actuator)”. This high-output linear motor and advanced electronic control realize a quiet autofocus with unparalleled high speed and high precision. The new motor also enables high focus-following performance, ensuring that the decisive moment is not missed in sports photography and any other situation where the subjects are in motion, from motor vehicles to birds in flight.

Newly developed optical stabilizer algorithm “OS2” with high compensation capability of up to 7 stops

The OS (Optical Stabilizer) function employs SIGMA’s newly developed algorithm “OS2”. The new algorithm significantly improves image stabilization performance, with 7 stops at the wide end and 6 stops at the telephoto end. This allows the lens to capture powerful and dynamic moments with a rich sense of motion.

The lens is equipped with two OS modes: Mode 1 is suitable for general shooting, and Mode 2 is best suited for fast panning shots, for example in motorsports and other dynamic situations. In Mode 2, an acceleration sensor combined with SIGMA’s Intelligent OS, an algorithm specially designed for panning shots, enable effective image stabilization even when the camera is moved vertically or diagonally, regardless of the horizontal and vertical orientation of the lens. This means that the movement of the subject can be expressed without losing the effect of panning shots.

Multi-material structure for lightweight and strong robustness

The lens features a multi-material structure, in which materials such as magnesium, CFRP¹, and TSC² are optimally arranged according to their characteristics. As a result, the lens barrel is lighter in weight while retaining the same robustness as previous models, thereby providing high versatility in a variety of scenes and applications.

¹ Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic, a light but strong material used in the interior and exterior fittings of aircraft, among many other applications.

² Thermally Stable Composite, a polycarbonate with a thermal expansion rate similar to that of aluminum. Its high affinity to metal parts contributes to high manufacturing quality standards.

Dual Action Zoom for intuitive framing

The lens supports Dual Action Zoom, allowing users to use both rotary zooming by rotating the zoom ring and straight zooming by grasping the tip of the lens. This enables both precise and quick operation in any given situation.

Dust and Splash Resistant Structure for security in various shooting situations

The mount connection, manual focus ring, zoom ring, switches, switch panel and exterior connection are all dust and splash resistant* to prevent dust and dirt from entering the lens. Further, the front element of the lens features a water and oil repellent coating to facilitate maintenance when water droplets or dust adhere to the lens.

* The structure is designed to be dust and splash resistant, but not waterproof. Be careful not to bring the lens in contact with a large amount of water. Water inside the lens may cause major damage and even render the lens unrepairable.

High customizability and build quality of SIGMA’s Sports line

The SIGMA 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS | Sports is equipped with substantial features of SIGMA’s Sports line standard of high-mobility, high-performance lenses. Manufactured in SIGMA’s sole production base in Aizu, Japan, the lens features an exceptional build quality that combines robustness with practicality and a high level of precision in every single detail.

Customizable functions

Equipped with a Focus Limiter switch, the lens enables users to limit the focus driving range during AF when necessary, allowing quick and precise focusing.

Further, the lens features three AFL buttons* ready to be assigned to preferred functions using the camera. The AFL buttons are easy to operate regardless of how the camera is oriented or which settings are used.

For the L-Mount version, the SIGMA USB DOCK UD-11 can be used to set OS operation or focus limiter range for the Custom Mode switch.

*Only on compatible cameras. Available functions may vary depending on the camera used.

Interchangeable Tripod Socket

The lens body incorporates an Arca Swiss compatible magnesium alloy tripod socket. The leg can be removed and replaced with other interchangeable tripod sockets (sold separately) or attached to a monopod, allowing for a multitude of different uses and situations.

Tele Converter for L-Mount (1.4x / 2.0x)

The L-Mount version of the lens is compatible with the SIGMA TELE CONVERTER TC-1411 (1.4x) and TC-2011 (2.0x). Using a tele converter, the focal length can be multiplied by 1.4x and even 2x, for AF- enabled shooting at ultra-telephoto focal lengths of up to 1200mm.

Additional Features

  • Lens construction: 27 elements in 19 groups (2 FLD and 3 SLD)
  • OS (Optical Stabilizer) function
  • Inner focus system
  • Compatible with high-speed autofocus
  • HLA (High-response Linear Actuator)
  • Compatible with Lens Aberration Correction
    • Function available on supported cameras only. Available corrections and auto correction functionality may vary depending on the camera model.
    • On cameras where lens aberration correction is controlled with ‘ON’ or ‘OFF’ in the camera menu, please set all aberration correction functions to ‘ON’ (AUTO).
  • Support for DMF, AF + MF
  • Compatible with AF assist (Sony E-mount only)
  • Super Multi-Layer Coating
  • Water and Oil Repellent Coating (front element)
  • AFL button• Only on compatible cameras. Available functions may vary depending on the camera used.
  • Focus Limiter switch
  • Focus Mode switch
  • OS switch
  • Custom Mode switch
  • Zoom Lock switch
  • Dust and Splash Resistant Structure
  • Hood (LH1144-02)
  • Tripod Socket TS-121 (replaceable lens foot type)
  • Compatible with SIGMA TELE CONVERTER TC-1411 / TC-2011 (sold separately / for L-Mount only)
  • Compatible with SIGMA USB DOCK UD-11 (sold separately / for L-Mount only)
  • Designed to minimize flare and ghosting
  • Every single lens undergoes SIGMA’s proprietary MTF measuring system
  • 9-blade rounded diaphragm
  • High-precision, durable brass bayonet mount
  • “Made in Japan” craftsmanship
Photo of author
Professional photographer based in Yukon, Canada, and founder of Shutter Muse. His editorial work has been featured in publications all over the world, and his commercial clients include brands such as Nike, Apple, Adobe and Red Bull.

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